How to Find and Hire Freelancers

More than ever before, employers are hiring freelancers to fill roles and complete projects. But how do you find freelancers for your team? We will look at the rise of freelance work today, how to find and hire freelance workers, the top freelancing platforms, and tips on managing a freelance workforce.

Companies of all sizes are looking to hire freelancers for a seemingly unlimited number of roles. From small businesses to enterprise-level organizations, organizations are looking to hire freelancers to fill positions in marketing, IT, data analytics, graphic design, and much more.

If this sounds like you, you’re in luck. Welcome to LinkedIn’s in-depth guide on how to find and hire freelancers, the top freelancing platforms and tips on managing a freelance workforce.

The Rise of Freelance Work

Remote work is more than companies switching teams from an on-site “brick-and-mortar” model to a work-from-home environment. The recent rise in remote work is due, in part, to the trend of companies around the globe hiring freelancers for various projects.

“It’s never been a better time to freelance, with the majority of workers expected to be freelancing by 2027,” said Jay Clouse, founder of Creator Science, in his Freelancing Foundations Linkedin Learning class.

Freelance employees are here to stay, and although the pandemic sped this train along, the wheels were already in motion. This trend had already been on the rise, with the percentage of full-time freelancers jumping from 28% to 36% from 2019 to 2020.

Employers and employees alike are taking advantage. Benefits of freelance work for employees include:

Flexibility. Employees can work from home, create their own schedule, and ultimately be responsible for their own income.
Increased earning potential. In specific industries, employees can hold a W-2 position with their current employer and take additional work from home during their off hours.
Entrepreneurship. Some freelancers grow their “side hustle” into a business of their own. At the very least, families gain an additional income stream to support today’s rising cost of living.

Employers see slightly different benefits. Hiring managers and department heads around the globe hire freelancers because:

Freelancers are budget-friendly. Hiring experts with industry experience usually requires a significant salary. The problem is that full-time technical experts receive this salary whether or not their performance is satisfactory. Because companies can hire freelancers on a per-project basis, they receive the expertise they need, exactly when they need it.
Employers can hire unique experience. Freelancers generally work with several clients at one time. As a result, their knowledge within their chosen field grows exponentially compared to employees who fill a single role for a single company.
They can complete work on tight deadlines. The flexibility of freelance work benefits both the freelancer and the client, particularly for projects with tight timelines. Because freelancers make their own hours, it is often possible to order a project on Friday and have it in your inbox by Monday.

It is easy to see how companies that hire freelancers benefit from this new working model. Some companies work with a predominantly freelance workforce, while others leverage skilled freelance talent to supplement their W-2 team. Factor in that companies may no longer need to pay the fixed costs of operating a “brick-and-mortar” office, and it is no wonder freelancing is on the rise.

How to Find Freelancers

Where does one go to hire freelancers? Setting out to hire freelance labor can be an overwhelming task. A simple Google search reveals the many options a supervisor or hiring manager has at their disposal, so where do you start?

The most popular methods business owners use to find freelancers are:

Freelance job boards
Networking
Industry-specific sites and meetups
Referrals
LinkedIn
Craigslist
Social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
Traditional job sites (ZipRecruiter, Indeed, Monster, etc.)

Garrett Johnson, LinkedIn Learning Instructor, adds to this list and suggests also reaching out to family and friends.

This is helpful to both the freelancer and the one hiring, as it helps build the freelancer’s portfolio if they are still early in their career while providing a vetted, trusted freelancer to do quality work.

Most of these methods are as simple as launching a post or listing on an online platform. Others require more “elbow grease” to create a post, ad, or job description to find the perfect candidate.

How To Hire Freelancers

Once a supervisor or hiring manager locates the perfect freelancer, the next obstacle is how to hire freelancers. Much like with any employee, it is important to make sure the proper contract paperwork is in order before a freelancer starts work on a project.

Using Freelance Platforms

If companies elect to use one of the popular freelance platforms such as Upwork, the platform is often responsible for the paperwork process. These platforms are generally the most straightforward option, as they will handle all the legalities and payroll aspects of hiring a freelance employee.

Outside Freelance Platforms

Companies hiring freelancers outside of job boards will need to handle contract paperwork and payroll themselves. Fortunately, starting in 2022, PayPal will send a 1099-K to anyone who receives over $600 through the app. Freelancers who accept payments through the app will receive this statement in early 2023, taking the responsibility off the employer’s plate. All companies need to do is track their expenses and submit them to an accountant as usual.

Without PayPal, business owners need to submit their own tax documents to potential freelancers. When hiring freelancers to start a project, download the IRS 1099-K form from the internet (a simple Google search will do). Have the freelancer fill out the form, sign it, and email it back to you for your records.

Additionally, it is a good idea to have your own internal employment agreement. This will clearly specify the expectations and duties of both sides to prevent future misunderstandings.

Top Platforms to Hire Freelancers

Here are the top platforms employers can use to find first-class freelancing talent.

1. Upwork

With over 12 million freelancers, Upwork is a veritable one-stop shop for any project. Their freelancer pool features everything from creative roles like writers, designers, and video production to more technical positions like software development and engineering.

Simply post project details and wait for freelancers to bid. Once you find the right fit, select them from the list of candidates and click “Hire.” Upwork’s job board platform takes care of the rest.

2. Fiverr

Fiverr’s interface works differently than Upwork’s. Instead of freelancers bidding on your project, you search for the type of gig you need and contact the “seller.”

Fiverr freelancers typically offer different packages for the work they provide, and you can customize your order to fit the exact needs of almost any project. True to the platform’s name, most gigs start at $5, but more substantive packages usually cost more. Each listing has ratings and reviews, so talent-seekers can easily verify the quality of work they can expect.

3. FlexJobs

Employers can create a free account on FlexJobs and begin posting job openings. Freelancers express interest by applying to a particular project. Employers can also hire freelancers directly if they have someone specific in mind.

FlexJobs offers more in-depth strategies for its paid members. Membership costs $399 a month, which provides access to valuable tools like social media promotion and additional insights on responses to job postings.

More Options

These are some of the most popular platforms companies use to hire freelancers, but it is not a complete list. Check out this article by GeekFlare to explore more options for finding first-class talent.

Managing Freelance Workers

Managing and hiring freelancers does not have to be a complex process. Businesses and entrepreneurs need to remember:

Use this resource to navigate the sea of online freelancer resources.
Decide if you want to search for freelancers or if you want them to search for you.
If you hire freelancers independently, make sure you have the proper paperwork in place. It is always helpful to consult an attorney.

There it is — everything one needs to know about hiring freelancers. Now, it is time to jump in and find freelance talent for your company’s next big project. We think you will be glad you did.

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